DOBSON -- Surry Community College was treated to a visit from Sen. Richard Burr yesterday as he spoke with school leaders and addressed the Surry Early College High School of Design seniors.

"I can't tell you how impressed I am with this program," Burr said to Celia Hodges, principal of the Early College High School of Design, before addressing a lecture hall full of students.

The students were gathered to watch senior project presentations. Burr spoke to them before the presentations commenced.

"Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can," Burr advised them.

He spoke to the students about the importance of getting an education and told a personal story of working with Sonny Bono of the famous "Sonny and Cher" duo who went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Burr explained that since Sonny dropped out of high school, he later had to spend multiple hours a day studying to catch up with the other representatives he served alongside of.

"The moral of the story is, take the opportunity now to get an education," Burr said.

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